Anthony Pettis: “Line them up and I’m going to knock them down until I get that title-shot.”

UFC lightweight Anthony Pettis has seen title-shots slip through his fingers as though the opportunities were made of water rather than promises from his superiors. With a similar situation seemingly unfolding again, Pettis has decided he’s done counting on the promises of others and plans to take the championship clash he feels he’s owed by way of force.

“I’m to the point where I’ve just got to prove it,” said Pettis in an interview with MMAWeekly. “Line them up and I’m going to knock them down until I get that title shot. That’s the ultimate goal, but right now it’s winning fights. I need to focus on this next opponent in front of me and win these fights until they can’t deny me the shot.”

“No more Mr. Nice Guy. I sat there and tried to play that role – ‘Oh the title shot’s going to come I’m going to sit and wait for it.’ I’m taking it this time,” he continued. “I’m going for it. I’m going to take this title-shot. I’m going to get my title shot; I’m going to get the respect I deserve.”

The 15-2 Pettis owns a past triumph over Henderson in addition to victories against the likes of Jeremy Stephens, Shane Roller, and Joe Lauzon. He is currently on a two-fight winning streak, falling on the scorecards in his UFC debut against Clay Guida after opting to take a tilt instead of wait an extended period of time for a title-fight he’d been guaranteed.